Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce Recipe
When you try this slow cooker tomato sauce recipe, you’ll quickly realize why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. The aroma fills my home, making it feel warm and inviting.
I love how simple it is—just toss the ingredients in and let the slow cooker do its magic. It’s perfect for busy days when I want a delicious meal without fuss.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile; whether I’m serving it over pasta or using it in a casserole, it never disappoints. Each bite bursts with flavor, and I can’t help but feel proud of the homemade goodness simmering away. Enjoy!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce
When it comes to whipping up a delicious homemade tomato sauce, the ingredients are key. This slow cooker tomato sauce recipe isn’t just simple; it’s also packed with flavors that come together beautifully as they cook. You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of ingredients can create such a rich, hearty sauce. So, let’s gather what we need to make this culinary delight.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 3 (28 ounce) cans tomatoes, crushed
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (10 ounce) can tomato soup
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 dash red pepper flakes
Now, let’s talk about the ingredients. You might notice that there are a few different types of tomatoes in this recipe. Trust me, they each play their part in creating that rich, luscious sauce. The crushed tomatoes provide the base, while the tomato sauce and tomato paste add depth and sweetness.
And don’t skip out on the fresh herbs; they give your sauce that garden-fresh flavor that makes it sing. If you happen to have extra veggies lying around, feel free to toss them in. That’s the beauty of this recipe—it welcomes creativity.
Just remember, the more colorful the veggies, the more vibrant your sauce will be. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of red wine could add an unexpected twist. Just saying.
How to Make Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce
Making your own slow cooker tomato sauce is a delightful adventure in the kitchen that brings together a medley of fresh ingredients and the magic of slow cooking. Start by grabbing 1 teaspoon of olive oil and heating it up in a skillet. Once it’s shimmering, toss in 2 chopped onions and 5 minced garlic cloves. Sauté these until they’re nice and transparent—this will take just a few minutes. The aroma will be heavenly, and you might even catch yourself daydreaming about that rich sauce.
Next, add in 2 finely chopped carrots, 3 chopped celery ribs, 1 chopped green pepper, and 1 chopped red pepper. Stir it all together on high heat until the vegetables are softened. This step is key; it builds the foundation of flavor that your sauce will thrive on.
Once your veggies are looking good, transfer them into the slow cooker. Now, it’s time for the real fun part—adding the rest of the ingredients. Open up 3 cans (28 ounces each) of crushed tomatoes, 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce, and 4 tablespoons of tomato paste, then pour them in. Don’t forget about that comforting 10-ounce can of tomato soup; it’s like the warm hug your sauce didn’t know it needed.
To really kick things up a notch, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, and season it all with 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne, and a dash of red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir to mix it together, and voila, you’re on your way to a sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
Set the slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for a good 9 hours, or if you’re short on time, 6 hours on high will do the trick. About an hour before you’re ready to indulge, take a peek at your sauce. If you like it a bit thinner, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water. I like my sauce thick, so I usually resist that temptation, but you do you.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not let it cook overnight? Waking up to the aroma of homemade tomato sauce is like a warm welcome to the day. Trust me, your pasta will thank you later. So roll up your sleeves and immerse yourself in this culinary experience; your taste buds are in for a treat.
Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce Substitutions & Variations
Creating your own slow cooker tomato sauce opens up a world of possibilities for customization.
You can easily swap out ingredients based on your taste or what you have on hand. Try adding ground meat for a heartier sauce, or toss in mushrooms for an earthy flavor. If you love spice, throw in some jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
For a sweeter sauce, consider adding a pinch of sugar or some diced bell peppers. Don’t forget to experiment with herbs—basil, oregano, and even rosemary can elevate the taste.
Personalizing your sauce makes it uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce
Slow cooker tomato sauce is a versatile base that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.
I love serving it over al dente pasta for a classic meal, or using it as a topping for homemade pizza. It’s also fantastic with grilled chicken or meatballs, adding a rich flavor.
For a hearty option, I enjoy spooning it over polenta or serving it with crusty bread for dipping. You can even use it as a base for lasagna or stuffed peppers.
Trust me, once you try these pairings, you’ll see just how adaptable this sauce truly is!
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing your slow cooker tomato sauce, there are a few tips that can enhance both the flavor and the cooking experience.
First, always sauté your vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker; it really brings out their sweetness.
If you love fresh herbs, add them about an hour before serving to keep their vibrant flavor.
Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your taste—sometimes a pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Finally, if you want a thicker sauce, reduce the liquid by letting it cook uncovered for the last hour.
Enjoy your delicious creation!